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Goose Facts & Worksheets

Goose, a wild or domesticated large waterbird of the Anatidae family, is a common name given to species under the genera Anser, Branta, and Chen.

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Goose, a wild or domesticated large waterbird of the Anatidae family, is a common name given to species under the genera Anser, Branta, and Chen. The goose provides several values for humans, such as meat and eggs, feathers, and insulation.

See the fact file below for more information on the goose or alternatively, you can download our 21-page Goose worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

TERMINOLOGY AND ETYMOLOGY

  • The word “goose” only refers to adult females.
  • Gander is given to adult males.
  • Young male or female geese before growing flight feathers are called goslings.
  • A gaggle is a flock wandering on the ground, while a wedge or a skein is a group of geese seen flying in formation.
  • The goose is among the ancient words of the Indo-European languages. The modern names originate from the proto-Indo-European root, ghans, and Sanskrit hamsa, Latin anser, Greek khén, and others.

TRUE GEESE

  • There are three extant genera of true geese, namely Anser, Chen, and Branta.
  • The Anser, or the grey geese, include the greylag goose and the domestic geese.
  • The Chen, or the white geese, which is often included in Anser, is composed of the snow goose species.
  • The Brenta, or the black geese, consist of the Canada goose species.
  • The two genera of geese are temporarily categorized in the Anserinae, which may belong to the shelducks or create a subfamily on their own, such as the (1) Cereopsis, or the Cape Barren geese, and the (2) Cnemiornis, or the New Zealand geese.

DESCRIPTION

  • The true geese (tribe Anserini) are made up of medium- to large-sized birds, linked to a greater or lesser extent with water.
  • The subfamily Anserinae (geese and swans) is usually limited in its distribution to temperate and sub-arctic areas. Some species, such as the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus), breed at high elevations.
  • Just like any other Anatidae, true geese have a broad body, slightly webbed feet, a partly flattened beak with a horny lamellae (miniature ridges), and a hard process, known as the “nail” found at the tip of the bill, as well as a prominent preen gland crowned by a group of feathers. These species are great at shedding water because of special oils.
  • Among the Anatidae family, true geese are distinguished for their strong bill, wide nail, and compact and flat lamella. Their flight feathers molt only once a year and are lost at the same time so that flying is easier for them given a short period.
  • Males of the Anatidae family have a copulatory organ that is turned inside out from the cloaca for breeding. They are also excellent for being among the few families of birds that have a male genital organ; however, the sperm does not pass through a central canal, just like that of the mammals, but rather flow along grooves on the outside.
  • All geese live a vegetarian diet, and can be pests when they feed on arable crops or occupy ponds or grassy regions in urban surroundings. Although geese mostly need wetlands or water-bodies to survive, they feed usually on land.
  • They lay fewer eggs than ducks, but goslings mostly have a higher chance of survival than ducklings since both goose parents tend to look after and protect the nest and the young.
  • Generally, true geese feed by grazing; they are herbivores that also prey on invertebrates if the opportunity allows itself. Domestic geese will also eat novel food items.
  • A number of geese in Europe, Asia, and North America are largely migratory as wild birds, breeding in the vast north and wintering in the south. The distinct V formation of these migrating birds is a conspicuous view and there are two main theories for this occurrence: (1) saving energy and (2) communication and orientation of the flock.
  • These waterfowls usually mate for life, and they stay with their partners for a number of reasons, though a small population will “separate” and remate.

GEESE AND HUMANS

  • Geese are valuable for a lot of reasons for humans. For one, they are usually served as food items, considered a delicacy in several cultures.
  • Foie gras (“fat liver”) is the liver of a goose that has been nourished through force-feeding. This cuisine is characterized as rich, flavorful, and delicate, compared to that of a regular goose liver.
  • Confit d’oie, another delicacy from the French, needs goose meat softened in herbs and salt, cooked in a tasty broth or fat, and stored in rendered fat.
  • Hunting these birds has been widely practiced historically and currently, and is a well-paid business.
  • Their soft feathers are commonly used in pillows, blankets, and mattresses. They are also used as stuffing for winter apparel, like quilted coats and sleeping bags because of their insulation feature.

Goose Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the goose across 21 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Goose worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the goose, a wild or domesticated large waterbird of the Anatidae family, which is a common name given to species under the genera Anser, Branta, and Chen. The goose provides several values for humans, such as meat and eggs, feathers, and insulation.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Goose Facts
  • What’s With a Goose?
  • Goose’s Anatomy
  • Life of a Goose
  • Goose Species
  • Goose FAQs
  • Tell Me More
  • Goose and Swan
  • Waterfowl Family
  • Collage of Uses
  • Goose Origami

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Link will appear as Goose Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, August 20, 2020

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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